Rousers were a staple of the late 70s CBGB’s scene. Inspired by the likes of New York Dolls, Ramones and 1950s rock and roll, the group included vocalist Jeff Buckland, rhythm guitarist Bill Dickson, bassist John Hannah, lead guitarist Tom Milmore and drummer Jerid O’Connell. Its sound was an amalgam of punk energy and attitude and vintage rock and roll sound and knack for melodic hooks. By the end of the decade the band had been courted by Sire records yielding a 1979 demos recording session with Ed Stasium who had then recently recorded Ramones and Talking Heads. But Sire decided not to sign Rousers and the demos remaind in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Sire archives until digitized and restored in 2024. Those recordings were mixed between Bob Stander of Parchessi Studio and Ed Stasium as well. Aside from some 1981 seven inches, Rousers would have been lost to history except in the memories of those who were there to see them in their prime but the newly mixed tracks were released as 1979 Sire Session on October 14, 2024 on black and transulcent white vinyl as well as 2 CD set with bonus tracks. The 13 main tracks have a vibrant, kinetic energy and clarity of tone that is immediately striking with songwriting that makes you wonder if Rousers would have been pop radio stars had the record been released and promoted especially during a period then when retro-rock was back in vogue. The album will be made available for digital download and on streaming services other than Bandcamp in 2026.
Listen to our interview with Bill Dickson on Bandcamp and follow Rousers at the link below.
Queen City Sounds and Art 
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